Vestas has confirmed a conditional agreement to provide turbines for Equinor’s 810 MW Empire Wind 1 project. This project which was successfully rebid in New York’s fourth offshore wind auction in February 2024 and announced a conditional winner by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Vestas stated in October 2021 that the project was a part of a larger preferred supplier agreement for the combined Empire Wind 1 and 2 projects.
In 2023, Vestas’ flagship offshore wind turbine, the V236-15.0 MW, obtained type certification, ensuring both quality and safety. After being installed in December 2022, the V236-15MW prototype turbine is currently undergoing its final round of verification before going into serial production and being placed in offshore wind projects.
Vestas is expanding its offshore wind capabilities as the market continues to grow. In January 2024, Vestas announced plans to establish a new blade factory in Szczecin, Poland. The factory is planned to produce blades for Vestas’ flagship offshore wind turbine, the V236-15.0 MW, and is expected to start operations in 2026.
REGlobal’s Views: This development comes soon after Equinor’s swap transaction with bp, under which Equinor will take full ownership of the Empire Wind offshore wind projects and bp will take full ownership of the Beacon Wind offshore wind projects. The offshore wind industry has been facing headwinds due to supply chain issues and increased equipment costs, and thus, this turbine order is a major relief for a turbine manufacturer like Vestas.
